Controversy Over Appointments of Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs and Vice Minister of Justice
The Democratic Party of Korea and the Joguk Innovation Party, both of which participated in efforts to elect Lee Jaemyung as president, are now revealing differences in their approaches to the blueprint for prosecution reform. The Joguk Innovation Party, which has emphasized a clear stance on "prosecution reform," expressed concerns over the appointments of Bong Wook, a former prosecutor, as Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs, and Lee Jinsu as Vice Minister of Justice. The party also brought up the so-called "prosecutors' blacklist," which includes figures within the prosecution considered targets for reform. In contrast, the ruling Democratic Party is focusing on a "fight fire with fire" strategy, utilizing individuals who are well-acquainted with the prosecution organization.
On May 7th, in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, the launch ceremony of the "Joguk" prosecution dismantling vanguard of the Joguk Innovation Party was held. Photo by Yonhap News
On July 1, the leadership and members of the Joguk Innovation Party held a press conference regarding the personnel purge of the "prosecution dictatorship" and announced plans to disclose a "list of pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Sukyeol faction) prosecutors." Lee Gyuwon, a former prosecutor and the party's Strategy Committee Chair, told Asia Economy, "The list is not so much a 'blacklist' as it is a way to communicate the will of the people," adding, "We will deliver it to the presidential office through the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs so it can be used as a reference for personnel decisions."
Some observers view the Joguk Innovation Party's actions as a move to increase its political presence and bargaining power in future discussions, such as easing requirements for forming a negotiation bloc in the National Assembly. On the morning of July 1, Hwang Unha, a Joguk Innovation Party lawmaker, appeared on BBS Radio's "Morning Journal with Keum Taeseop" and stated, "Since the Lee Jaemyung administration was born thanks to the Joguk Innovation Party's active campaigning and support, our basic position is to help ensure its success, but we must also provide necessary criticism and checks."
The Democratic Party is responding to prosecution issues by focusing on accelerating institutional reform rather than the results of personnel appointments. Democratic Party lawmakers have introduced a "prosecution reform bill" that calls for the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office and the establishment of a Public Prosecution Office, a Serious Crimes Investigation Office, and a National Investigation Commission, thereby aligning their legislative efforts. Jeong Seongho, the nominee for Minister of Justice who is steering the direction of prosecution reform, has been moderating his remarks while making it clear that the reform agenda remains firm. Jeong is known as a key figure among the so-called "pro-Lee Jaemyung" faction and is a politician who enjoys strong trust from President Lee.
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